Desk ledge



Oct. 17, 1939. H. J. HERFORT DESK LEDGE Filed Deo. 5, 1938 Patented Oct. 17, 1939 iJNlTED STATES ATENT FFIQE DESK LEDGE Application December 5, 193s, serial No. 244,108

1 Claim.

This invention relates to furniture and more particularly writing desks.

The primary object of this invention resides in the provision of a ledge for desks adapted to be disposed in flush relation to the top of the desk when not in use.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a ledge for desks adapted to be locked in operative position when in use.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of a ledge for desks adapted to be slidably disposed in a slot in the desk in such manner as will limit its slidable movement in either operative or inoperative position.

A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of a slidable ledge for desks provided with means to retain it within a slot in the desk.

In addition to the above objects this invention resides in the particular construction of the desk and ledge associated therewith.

With these and other objects in view this invention resides in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of elements to be hereinafter more particularly set forth in the specification, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the appended claim and, while this disclosure depicts my present conception of the invention, the right is reserved to resort to such changes in construction and arof the claim.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part Y of this application:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of the body portion of a -desk showing a ledge constructed in accordance with this invention disposed in operative position on the top of the desk.

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail sectional View approximately on line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the ledge in inoperative position.

Figure 3 is a similar view showing the ledge in operative position.

Figure 4 is an enlarged cross sectional View approximately on line 4--4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of the ledge.

In the present illustration of this invention the letter A designates a desk which, while herein shown as of the type used in schools, may be of any other type wherein a ledge is used to prevent pencils, pens and other articles from slipping 01T the top thereof indicated by the letter B.

Formed in the top B and preferably extending cross-wise thereof is a slot 5 which is restricted in length adjacent the lower surface of the top B to form shoulders 6.

Slidably disposed for perpendicular movement in the slot 5 is a substantially T-shape ledge 'l of greater height than the thickness of the desk l top B so as to project beneath the lower surface of the top when in inoperative position to provide a convenient area for ejecting its upper portion from the slot into operative position above the desk top.

Through the instrumentality of a desk provided with a slot and ledge as aforesaid the arm portions indicated at 8 of the ledge rest on the shoulders 6 of the slot when in inoperative position with the upper surface of the ledge coinciding With the upper surface of the desk top and in order to limit ejection of the ledge into operative position stops 9 are secured thereto for abutment against the lower surface of the top.

Upon disposing the ledge into operative position a suitable latch l0 is provided and, while it is herein shown in the form of a strip pivotably secured on the bottom of the desk and operable across the lower portion of the slot, it may be of any well known type capable of performing a similar function.

With this invention fully set forth it is manifest that means are provided whereby the ledge of a desk can be readily disposed in operative or inoperative position relative to the upper surface of a ldesk and, through the simplicity of construction thereof, it can be manufactured and marketed at a reasonable price.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is.:

In a desk of the character set forth having a slot therein, shoulders extending into the slot from its end walls; a ledge slidably disposed in the slot, arms formed on the upper portion of the ledge resting on the shoulders, stops secured on the lower surface of the ledge in opposed relation to the lower surface of the desk top and a latch secured to the lower surface of the desk and operable across the slot therein and beneath the ledge when in operative position.

HERMAN J. HERFORT- 

